Tropical Latin theme lightens up post-Grammy party

February 13, 2012|Sandy Cohen, AP Entertainment Writer

Grammy celebrants stepped out of the Staples Center and into tropical South America at the official awards-show after party.

The Sunday night soiree at the Los Angeles Convention Center transported guests to another continent. Women in bikinis and elaborate headdresses shook their feathered skirts on stages throughout the room while shirtless men practiced the Brazilian martial art capoeira, performing kicks, flips and handstands.

Just a block away from where Whitney Houston was mourned as late Grammy royalty and Adele was crowned the current queen with a sweep of six awards, the 2012 Grammy Celebration provided a festive escape with its sexy dancers, paper palm trees and colorful, upbeat vibe.

Ryan Tedder, who shared in Adele’s album of the year prize as a producer, performed at the party with his band, One Republic. During the set, he saluted Houston and Jennifer Hudson, who paid tribute to the late pop star during the Grammy telecast with a rendition of “I Will Always Love You.’’

Tedder said of Houston: “The one thing she’d want everyone to do is have the best time possible, because that’s what she did every day.’’

Kenny Loggins and DJ Michelle Pesce performed at the post-Grammy party, which spread out over several rooms in the west hall of the convention center. Across from the main event was the more intimate Jazz Lounge, where 16 young musicians comprising the Grammy camp jazz session performed classic, brass-heavy tunes.

A nearby hallway held other diversions. There was a free photo booth that tempted guests with a box full of costumes, masks and other silly props, and a stand sponsored by Olay that invited guests to pose on a red carpet and be photographed by a pro — after getting a quick makeover, of course.

The official party was one of many Grammy affairs held around town to celebrate the 54th annual awards ceremony.